Glendale Primary School’s preschool program has earned a five-star rating, the highest rating possible, from the Ohio Department of Education and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. The Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) rating, developed in 2013, is a system that rates all publicly funded early learning and development programs in order to maintain funding. A minimum of three stars are required to maintain funding, and a maximum of five stars is possible for exceptional programming.

The overall SUTQ process is rigorous and programs are evaluated within the areas of learning and development, staff qualifications, administrative and leadership practices, and family/community partnerships. These standards are based on national research identifying standards that lead to improved outcomes for children. “Our high rating is largely due to the fact that we provide evidence-based instructional strategies within a language-enriched environment to assist every child in meeting their unique learning needs,” said Rasheeda Smialek, Bedford School’s preschool supervisor. “High-quality early learning experiences provide the basis for the brain’s development and directly impact how successful children are in kindergarten and beyond.”

Glendale’s preschool team received an unscheduled site visit on Thursday, September 8, 2016 to evaluate its program. The auditors randomly reviewed files, observed classrooms, and interviewed staff. “Our overall point total was 64 out of a possible 67 points!” noted Mrs. Smialek. Currently there about 60 students enrolled in Glendale’s preschool program, including about 18 regular education students.